I remember when people started telling me, “You have to be on Twitter,” and I said, “No, I really don’t.” I resisted, in other words. It’s hard enough to write a book without yet another distraction. “But you could be reaching so many more people by tweeting” was the argument I kept getting. “Yeah? Tweet this” was my belligerent answer.
One day I ventured onto Twitter for no good reason and found myself sucked in by it. It was not only fun to connect with those of similar interests/passions but it was actually good discipline to have to confine my thoughts to 140 characters. Talk about learning how to edit. Plus, I “met” other writers – like right away. There’s nothing lonelier than sitting in front of a computer screen trying to create characters and plots out of thin air, but, thanks to Twitter, I have a whole new network of writers with whom I can bitch and moan.
Take today. I was at my desk working when my email informed me that I had a new follower – an L.A.-based chick lit author named Margo Candela.
I wasn’t aware of her books, but now I am. Here’s one.
We tweeted about our love for (and our lack of shame about loving) romantic comedies. We DM-ed each other. We emailed each other. We even graduated to a phone call during which we talked about collaborating on a chick flick.
My point is that I wouldn’t have known Margo existed if not for Twitter, because I’m too burrowed into my own little writing cave to keep track of what everybody else in the business is up to.
So now I know. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s Twitter feed brings.
Jane,
I remember when a friend told me I had to be “Twitterized”. Still can not believe I can even form a complete sentence much less give a valid visual in 140-characters.
Funny what happens when you put that little pea between your eyes into cyber-mode and let it roll.
But then again, that is why they invented Twitlonger, so I can go on and on and on like that fuzzy pink bunny.
Love your new home…Ithink I will come visit often.
I also resisted Twitter. In fact, I remember writing a blog post wondering why all the hype. But once you’re in, it grabs you and won’t let go. I’ve learned so much via Twitter, from resources in order to improve my writing to encouragement to go after my dreams.
I recently read Anne Lamott’s article about making time to write. Turn off Twitter, she said. I knew she was talking about me, the kind of person who doesn’t want to turn away for fear of missing some great link or something. Like anything else, it’s great in moderation. I’m still trying to get there.
I also love the new home and will make an effort to drop by often.
You haven’t quite convinced me just yet on this Twitter thing.
I am a curmedegeon who has refuted facebook to the horror of all around me.
But like you, I am being told it will help my business.
I currently am teetering on the edge…..
I use twitter to follow certain writers’. I don’t have any sources or anything like that, so I don’t tweet, and it’s not like anyone would follow me anyways.
It was such a great chat! Getting to dish with a fellow rom-com/chick flick fan who takes the genre seriously is always heartening. I’m going to dig through your books, Jane, and try very hard to pick just one to like the best and then…Well, that’s the great part of this whole adventure, we can write what happens then.
I figured you’d be a heavy user of “Twitlonger,” Renegade. LOL. But for me, it’s actually a good exercise to restrict myself to the 140 characters. It forces you to say what you have to say and then get out! Welcome, btw. I love seeing you over here.
So you were like me, Tanisha. I resisted too. But I agree with Anne Lamont and am trying to turn everything off – including email – for a period of time each day. There’s just no way to be productive when there’s so much stimuli to distract us. That said, it’s very hard not wondering if we’re missing something!
Margaret, if I had a choice between Twitter and Facebook, I’d go with Twitter. I’m not wild about Facebook, although I post there every day – mostly just to link to the blogs. I honestly don’t care if somebody went out for a bagel or forgot the keys to their car. At least on Twitter, people are short and to the point.
Of course people would follow you, BravesRed. You’d be surprised. You just start tweeting about whatever interests you, and before you know it you’ll have more followers than you know what to do with.
Hey, Margo. Really enjoyed meeting and talking to you yesterday. I’m going to read your script today. Looking forward to it!
I tried getting followers. The only ones I got were the porn stars, which I don’t want. I’ve put my link on my mlblogs, and i’ve also tried getting writers’ to mention me, but that didn’t work. So, it’s not like I haven’t tried.
I got porn stars too in the beginning, BravesRed. And all sorts of spam bots. It just takes awhile. Keep following people whose work you like and send them tweets. Good luck with your blog too.
I hope it’s soon, because I am going crazy, and i’ve been on twitter for almost a year also. I sent you a tweet seeing if you can mention me, but I don’t know if you got it. Thanks, I hope your blog move works for you also.